Haven House Sylvania has begun a two-stage renovation – creating a safe, bright and welcoming home for children leaving Out of Home Care.
Caretakers Cottage operates this medium-term residence, providing specialised support and independent living skills for young adults ageing out of the Out of Home Care Sector. “Our Sylvania program is essentially a large share house in which six young people reside with the support of caseworkers and some additional youthwork support in the evenings to develop living skills,” says Laurie Matthews, CEO Caretakers Cottage.
The dated 1960s property will be modernised and reconfigured by Building Partner Trinity Fitout & Construction in two key phases throughout 2024-25.
Phase 1
Phase 1 will take place over 10-weeks, focusing on creating an extra two bedrooms and an additional full bathroom on the first floor. In 2025, Phase 2 will include a reconfiguration of the staff areas to create an extra counselling room. “Our conversations with Trinity will lead to a much-improved amenity for our young people, with bathrooms becoming modernised and more functional and the accommodation being enhanced,” says Laurie. “The first area of major improvement will be refurbished bathrooms as they are currently 1960’s vintage with all the wear and tear of 60 years of use. The dark house will be brightened up with a skylight and fresh paint while two additional bedrooms will be created.”
”“Without the capacity of the Foundation to bring the property and construction industry together with community organisations like Caretakers we would not be able to progress with such a project.”
Laurie MatthewsCaretakers Cottage
Phase 2
Phase 2 will tackle the living and dining areas. “Phase 2 will see some changes to our kitchen and living areas to make the house more functional, a kitchen design where we can teach young people how to cook and dividing living areas to enable different group activities at the same time.”
A partnership with the Foundation made all the difference in getting the Haven House Sylvania project underway. “Without the capacity of the Foundation to bring the property and construction industry together with community organisations like Caretakers we would not be able to progress with such a project,” Laurie says.
Building Partner Trinity Fitout & Construction are delighted to lend their expertise to the project. “As a company in the construction industry, we understand the profound impact that the environments we create can have on people’s lives,” says Elizabeth De La Paz, New Business Manager and a member of the Property Industry Future Leaders Committee in 2022/23. “Our decision to join the Foundation as a partner stems from our ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.”
”“This renovation is about more than just improving a space - it’s about giving vulnerable teens the opportunity to experience safety, care and hope.”
Elizabeth De La PazTrinity Fitout & Construction
The Sylvania Haven House project provides the perfect opportunity for Trinity Fitout & Construction to make a tangible difference in the lives of at-risk young people. “We view this project not just as a renovation, but as an opportunity to enhance the quality of life for those who depend on the space, creating a safe and welcoming environment that provides vulnerable teens with the stability they need to begin rebuilding their lives … instilling hope and helping them focus on their personal growth, education and future goals, empowering them to plan for a brighter future.”
Trinity Fitout & Construction was drawn to the Caretakers Cottage renovation because it offers an opportunity for their team to make a meaningful difference in their local community. “It’s a reminder of the power of community when we come together to support those in need. We’re excited to see the long-term impact this project will have on the young people it serves, and we’re committed to supporting similar initiatives in the future.”
